The Ways Telemedicine is Helping to Flatten The Curve Around the Globe

DigiGone • April 21, 2020

The use of telemedicine has exploded over the past month. By connecting doctors to patients while essentially eradicating any risk of exposure, telemedicine has become a go-to tool for people around the world to help flatten the curve.

Businesses, both large and small, are also finding ways to protect their employees through telemedicine, and many governments have turned to it as well to reach remote patients and to keep people at home while still delivering the care they need.

Using Telemedicine Eases Fears in the Workplace

Among the many things that will be different in the post-COVID-19 world is the responsibility on companies to ensure a safe environment for guests and employees. People will need tangible proof that their health is prioritized above profits.

To do so, everyone needs to have a plan for dealing with both workplace and customer (or guest) safety. Businesses like Tyson, the largest meat company in the U.S., are using thermal scanners to check the temperature of all its employees as they enter worksites. General Motors is considering a form of antibody testing when employees return to work. The Wall Street Journal reported that Disneyland and Walt Disney World are weighing different options that include temperature checks for guests as they arrive. They know it will slow the entry process, but they think people will be more willing to wait in a line knowing it’s for the greater good.

Temperature checks are a first line of defense. If someone does have a high temperature, they can be referred to an on-site clinic for further evaluation. For smaller to mid-sized companies, CDC recommends that every workplace have a designated employee who is the lead on all COVID-19 issues. In telemedicine, this is often referred to as a designated medical officer (DMO). They’re trained on how to use telemedicine kits and encrypted consultation services.

The DMO could then contact a doctor for a real-time consultation using diagnostic data from the telemedicine kit. These types of programs are what customers and employees want to see until the door is completely shut on this pandemic.

Telemedicine and Tourism

The travel industry is extremely difficult to moderate in terms of the transmission of diseases. A lot can happen between leaving a house, departing one city, arriving at another, then visiting large, crowded spaces. Several airports around the world are using digital thermometers, which has helped in some cases. But, if that is the only measure utilized, one checkpoint in the customs area, it’s not enough. Someone may feel fine when they arrive at an airport, but that doesn’t indicate what shape they’ll be in 48 hours later at a museum.

That’s why many venues that have large groups of people, either visitors or employees, need to have a plan to not only keep facilities clean, but also the ability to consult with a doctor should some fall ill.

Home Healthcare Services

Home healthcare services rely on a workforce to visit patients in their homes, putting both the patients and workers at risk of being exposed to viruses. The Charlotte Post reported on a group called Doctors Making House calls, a 125-doctor primary care mobile clinic for seniors, which has shifted to phone consultations and virtual visits whenever possible, allowing them to continue to serve their patients.

If a home visit is essential, studies have looked at using nurses as a “telepresenter,” who while conducting at home check-ins in full personal protective gear, connect their patients to doctors via video or through a telemedicine kit. This has led not only to cost savings, but also prevented trips to the emergency room.

Reaching the Hard to Reach

In late March, Kenya set up a telemedicine center at a hospital in an effort to virtually care for large populations that live in remote areas. CT Scans from around the country can be sent to this telemedicine center and within three to five minutes, COVD-19 can be detected.

“Through this technology, instead of sending radiologists to every county, CT scans from those counties can just be interpreted from here,” said Kenyan Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe.

Nigeria also launched a network of remote terminals to eight different areas. These terminals and busses are equipped with basic diagnostic equipment such as cameras, diagnostic scopes and ENT scopes.

In Germany, a company has created an app that helps determine if someone is at risk for having COVID-19. This free chatbot called “Corona-Bot” is updated daily and asks questions about symptoms and other risk factors to determine the probability of coronavirus infection. If the risk is high, the patient is connected to a doctor via telemedicine for a full consultation.

Australia opened up telehealth services to the entire country in mid-March. A statement released by the government explained that “Whole of population telehealth will allow people to access essential health services in their home and will support self-isolation and quarantine policies to reduce the risk of exposure and spread of COVID-19. It will also help vulnerable doctors continue to deliver services to their patients.”

< Older Post Newer Post >

Mail

The Value of a Telemedicine Kit in Transition Care Medical Examinations

By Mike Dunleavy • February 4, 2025

Telemedicine kits are becoming indispensable tools for home healthcare providers, particularly during transition care medical examinations (TCMs). While the initial TCM is conducted by a physician who generates revenue from the service, the telemedicine kit significantly benefits home healthcare providers by expediting patient registration for their care services. With a nurse or medical assistant deploying the kit, patients can be quickly evaluated and connected with a physician, ensuring all necessary documentation and approvals are completed more efficiently. This faster onboarding process allows home healthcare providers to register more patients in less time, helping them deliver care sooner and grow their services efficiently. The ability to “bring the doctor” to the patient through a telemedicine kit is invaluable in initiating care seamlessly. Once patients are on board, home healthcare providers can continue leveraging telemedicine technology to improve how they deliver services. The kits enable nurses and medical assistants to perform follow-up visits, diagnostics, and real-time consultations without requiring patients to leave their homes. This capability allows providers to optimize their schedules and visit more patients daily, all while maintaining a high standard of care. The efficiency gained means better coverage, smarter use of resources, and happier patients. Beyond efficiency, telemedicine kits help providers build stronger connections with their patients by making care more accessible and personalized. Providers can quickly respond to emerging health concerns, adjust care plans, and ensure ongoing monitoring—all from the patient’s home. This not only leads to better patient outcomes but also boosts the provider’s reputation for being reliable and innovative. By facilitating the registration of more patients and enhancing care once they are onboarded, telemedicine kits are powerful tools that enable home healthcare providers to expand their reach, improve operational efficiency, and thrive in an increasingly competitive market. In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, telemedicine kits are revolutionizing how home healthcare providers deliver care, enabling faster patient onboarding, enhanced service delivery, and stronger connections with patients. By integrating this indispensable technology, providers can streamline operations, improve patient outcomes, and position themselves as leaders in care innovation. Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your home healthcare services. Explore how telemedicine kits can help you expand your reach, optimize your resources, and deliver exceptional care. Contact us today to learn more and take the next step toward transforming your care delivery model.

Vessels need 72 terabytes of storage for a year's worth of compressed data for a 15-camera system

Data Storage, Record Keeping, and the Safer Seas Act

February 28, 2024

The Safer Seas Act requires vessels to have complete CCTV systems as well as storage systems to retain at least one year's worth of video and audio recordings. DigiGone offers complete solutions.

man on ship, safer seas act audio requirements

Audio and Microphone Requirements for the Safer Seas Act

February 5, 2024

With the new Safer Seas Act, vessel companies must comply with many new regulations by the end of the year. One of those requirements includes audio equipment placed outside of hallways leading to staterooms, which DigiGone can help with. And while this may seem burdensome, these new rules will be good for vessel companies in the long run.

The Safer Seas Act requires all vessels to install cameras for recording certain areas.

Video Requirements for the Safer Seas Act

January 17, 2024

The Safer Seas Act is a new law that aims to create a safer working environment in the maritime industry. It requires all vessels to install cameras for recording certain areas.

Safer Seas Guidance: Key Facts

December 11, 2023

With the US Coast Guard's recent guidance on the Safer Seas Act, there are several key things vessel companies need to prepare for, including audio and video equipment.

Why Managed Consumption is Key to Providing Internet in the Maritime Industry

November 8, 2023

As the maritime industry looks for ways to provide connectivity for crew, costs are soaring. However, there are options to manage bandwidth consumption.

Bridging the Digital Divide in Healthcare: The Pivotal Role of Nurses in Expanding Telemedicine Access

November 8, 2023

Nurses play a critical role in bridging the gap in the acceptance of telemedicine with innovative home visits using "telemedicine kits" that help patients navigate and embrace digital healthcare solutions.

The Revolution of Nurse-led Telemedicine in Home Care: Improving Access, Trust, and Cost Efficiency

October 25, 2023

Nurse-led telemedicine is redefining home healthcare, blending cutting-edge technology with the irreplaceable human touch to improve access, reduce costs, and build trust. A promising future where quality care is accessible and affordable for all.

Telemedicine Kits and Post Operative Home Care

Telemedicine Kits: Revolutionizing Post-Operative Home Visits

October 10, 2023

The integration of telemedicine kits into post-op home health care visits is a game changer in hospital cost savings and improved patient recovery.

environmental compliance and video surveillance

HSSE: Cameras and Environmental Compliance in the Maritime Industry

September 27, 2023

As the maritime industry moves towards a greener future, the use of cameras can help vessels with environmental compliance. Remote monitoring, strategically placed cameras, reporting and training are all ways that a company can benefit from a video system.